Interim Titleholder Bibiano Fernandes Looking Forward to Unifying One FC Championships

Winning a championship is nothing new for Brazilian bantamweight Bibiano “Flash” Fernandes.

Having previously held the Dream featherweight and bantamweight titles, winning the One FC 135-pound interim championship this past May by defeating Koetsu Okazaki via unanimous decision added another feather in his already impressive cap.

“I am pretty satisfied with my performance,” said Fernandes. “Of course, I will have loved to finish him, but I came close on several occasions, and Okazaki is just a very tough, durable guy. I’m just glad to have won decisively and become interim champion.”

Currently riding a three-year, six-fight winning streak, Fernandes told MMAWeekly.com that it’s his commitment to becoming an all-around fighter after starting out mainly as a submission specialist that has led to his current success.

“I have just been focused on mastering all the techniques, making sure everything is as perfect as it can,” he said. “It’s the little details that will make the difference, especially at this level of MMA.”

Fernandes feels the continued development in his all-around game will play a big role in his effort to unify the One FC bantamweight championship against current titleholder Soo Chul Kim on Oct. 18 in Kallang, Singapore.

“He’s the champion, so I have to give him some respect,” Fernandes said of Kim. “I feel like I am better than him in all aspects and I don’t think I have to game plan hard to defeat.

“He does have knockout power, so I just need to make sure when I close the distance, I keep my hands up and not get caught.”

Having been a staple of New Year’s Eve shows over the past couple of years, Fernandes is open to keeping the tradition alive, though he’s not going to rush headfirst into anything after Oct. 18.

“I’m open to fighting again, but I’m not in a rush,” he said. “I like the downtime to spend with my family and just enjoy seeing my kids grow up. If there is a card on New Year’s Eve that One FC will like me to compete on and I feel good, I will definitely jump on that opportunity.”

Regardless of what is next, Fernandes is focused on defeating Kim, unifying the 135-pound title, and giving the fans what they come to expect from him.

“Just want to thank God for all he has given me and every opportunity,” he concluded. “I’m looking forward to put on an exciting fight for all my fans!”

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